The disease is caused by a virus called Measles virus.

 

 

 

Symptoms

 

Measles was a common childhood infection prior to the introduction of measles vaccine. Affected persons will present initially with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and white spots inside the mouth. This is followed 3 to 7 days later by a red blotchy skin rash, which usually spreads from face to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts 4 - 7 days, but can persist for up to 3 weeks leaving with brownish staining and sometimes fine skin peeling. In severe cases, lung, gut and brain can get involved and lead to serious consequences or even death.

 

 

 

Mode of transmission and incubation period

 

Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases. This can be transmitted airborne by droplet spread or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons, and less commonly, by articles soiled with nasal or throat secretions.

Incubation period usually ranges from 7 - 18 days, but can be up to 21 days. The patient can pass the disease to other persons from 4 days before to 4 days after appearance of the rash.

 

 

 

Treatment

 

Affected persons should avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially those with weakened immunity, pregnant women and infants. Although there is no specific treatment, drugs may be prescribed to reduce the symptoms and antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial complications.

 

 

 

Preventions

 

Maintain good personal hygiene

Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer.

When having a fever, rash or respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

 

Maintain good environmental hygiene

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing 1 part of 5.25% bleach with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 – 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry. For metallic surface, disinfect with 70% alcohol.

Maintain good indoor ventilation. Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places.

 

Immunisation

Vaccination against measles is the most effective preventive measure. Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, children receive a two-dose course of measles vaccination (Please refer to the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme).

 

 

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.